A Court of Smoke and Shadow

Chapter Twenty Six: Selene

Despite losing Ryoko, my life seemed a lot better.

My mate no longer seemed keen on getting too close with Elain and our relationship has improved greatly. I hated to admit it but for a while, I was concerned of Azriel and Elain's relationship. I feared they might get too close.

Thankfully, they did not. I should never have had to be worried but my mate made questionable choices regarding Elain and their relationship. I was fairly certain that Rhys had to put him in his place but at least it worked.

Everyone was a bit scared of Rhys. It was only reasonable considering that he was the most powerful High Lord in history.

You're more powerful than he is, a small voice whispered. You just haven't stepped all the way into your powers.

The last thought was what concerned me. If the power I used on the battlefield wasn't my full strength, what was? What was my limit? I hoped I wouldn't find out anytime soon.

Azriel snuck up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Morning, Moon."

"Morning, Az," I smiled, looking over my shoulder at him. "Did you sleep well?"

"I slept best with you next to me," he murmured, kissing my shoulder. "Making breakfast?"

"I got bored," I said. "Figured I might surprise you."

"Hmm," he hummed. "Looks delicious. But... not as delicious as what's in front of me."

"Tease," I snorted. "A shameless tease. That's what you are. I am making breakfast. You'll have to wait."

He chuckled, "Very well. Make breakfast."

***

By the time I finished breakfast, everyone had woken up.

I was glad to be spending time with my family again. The war had left scars on all of us, some more than others. But I always liked to believe that as long as we stuck together, nothing could hurt us. I glanced at my mate, sitting next to Cassian and smiled.

Elain sat on Cassian's other side and I had the distinct feeling that Cassian had sat between them on purpose. Cassian and I exchanged a glance. His eyes said he'd done it on purpose but his face betrayed nothing.

He absolutely did it on purpose Rhys' voice rang in my head.

Of course he did, I sent back. No surprise there.

Rhys' laughter filled my mind as I sat down next to Azriel to eat.

***

The closer it got to Solstice, the more at peace I felt.

Despite the chaos surrounding it, the Winter Solstice was easily my favorite holiday. Well, no, it isn't. Starfall is my favorite, however, Winter Solstice is my second favorite. Nonetheless, I always went all out on gifts.

Mor and I always went all out for our gifts. Unlike Mor, my gifts had taste. Mor buys bright, obnoxious gifts, while I buy simple, yet meaningful gifts. At least, I used to. Before my life went completely to shit.

Even so, I picked out the gifts with care and consideration. I knew exactly what each of my friends wanted, so I got them exactly that. Lucien's gift was a tad tricky because I didn't really know him that well and I wasn't entirely certain what he wanted. I went with the safe option of a dagger.

It always seemed to be the safest choice to buy a dagger or two. At least, you can't really go wrong with a dagger. I wasn't sure how much I spent on gifts but it was definitely more than I probably should have.

Oh, well. It was worth it.